Vehicle problem puts care service in doubt
THE FUTURE of a care service for young people with special educational needs is in doubt as its lifeline minibus needs up to £3,000 worth of repair work to get it through its next MoT test.
Hinckley-based Diverse and Unique Care has only until the end of March to raise the money to fix the vehicle, which is used to pick up and drop off its dozens of young charges as well as taking them on trips.
The specially-adapted second-hand vehicle was donated in August last year by Sapcote-based charity Matthew Needham’s Treasure Chest, run by the parents of the Stoney Stanton schoolboy who died from congenital heart disease in 2004, aged nine.
Fitted with a lift for wheelchairs, safety harnesses for travelling youngsters and internal carpeting for protection, the minibus features a picture of a smiling Matthew on its bonnet, along with the charity’s logo.
When it was handed over, childminder and ser- vice leader Jackie Millerchip - who was named ITV’s Lorraine Inspirational Woman of the Year 2014 - described it as “a godsend”.
But a recent trip to the garage revealed that, while its engine is sound, much of its underneath bodywork is rotten and needs significant work if it is to pass its next MoT test.
Faced with the possibility of losing it, Mrs Millerchip said: “It’s our lifeline.
“We can’t run our service without it.
“If we have to give it all up, I would be devastated.”
She said the company, which has around 40 young people on its books, keeps costs low for the sake of families needing its support and that any sur- plus money is used to pay staff wages and keep the service running.
The future of the service now looks reliant on financial donations or offers of help with the welding work to save the vehicle from the scrap-heap.
Mrs Millerchip said: “I’m not asking people to give their life savings.
“If everybody in Hinckley and Bosworth gave just £1 just think how much we could raise.
Anyone willing to help keep the minibus on the road is asked to call Diverse and Unique Care on Hinckley 646524 or to speak to Kirsty Millerchip at Diverse and Unique Care on 07904 255005 or to email terryj.millerchip@ ntlworld.com